Oil & Gas

The oil and gas industry operates under some of the most rigorous environmental, health, and safety regulations in existence — and for good reason. A single compliance failure can result in catastrophic explosions, environmental disasters, worker fatalities, and penalties measured in tens of millions of dollars. From the Deepwater Horizon disaster to the Texas City refinery explosion, the consequences of inadequate EHS management in this sector are measured in lives lost and ecosystems destroyed. Our independent EHS audits for oil and gas operations provide the unbiased, thorough assessment that this high-consequence industry demands. We evaluate compliance across the full spectrum of applicable regulations: OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) standard, EPA's Risk Management Program (RMP), Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, SPCC, and state-specific requirements.

We audit across the entire oil and gas value chain: • Upstream Production: Drilling operations, production facilities, well pads, compressor stations, and gathering systems. Focus on H2S safety, well control, vapor recovery, and produced water management. • Midstream Transportation: Pipeline operations, pump stations, tank farms, and terminal facilities. Focus on pipeline integrity management, DOT compliance, and facility siting studies. • Downstream Refining: Petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants. Focus on PSM/RMP compliance, turnaround safety, hot work management, and LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) programs. • Petrochemical Operations: Chemical manufacturing co-located with or serving petroleum operations. Full PSM/RMP audit coverage including PHA revalidation, MOC, and mechanical integrity.

For oil and gas facilities handling highly hazardous chemicals above threshold quantities, OSHA's Process Safety Management standard and EPA's Risk Management Program are the regulatory backbone. Our auditors have deep experience with both regulations and understand how they interact. We evaluate all 14 elements of PSM (29 CFR 1910.119) and the prevention program requirements of RMP (40 CFR Part 68). Common findings in oil and gas facilities include inadequate PHA revalidation, undocumented Management of Change, gaps in mechanical integrity programs for aging equipment, and insufficient contractor safety management. Our audits are conducted by personnel knowledgeable in oil and gas processes — meeting OSHA's requirement for auditors who understand the operations being audited.

Oil and gas operations face extensive environmental regulation that goes well beyond safety: • Air Emissions: Title V permits, NSPS (New Source Performance Standards), NESHAP, and state air quality requirements. Flaring, venting, and fugitive emissions monitoring. • Water Discharge: NPDES permits, produced water management, stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP), and SPCC plans for oil storage. • Waste Management: RCRA hazardous waste determination, tank closure requirements, drilling waste management, and remediation oversight. Our environmental auditors evaluate your compliance status across all applicable media — air, water, and waste — providing a comprehensive picture of your regulatory exposure.